DOWNTOWN LIGHTS UP
Gift card program, Santa Claus parade and more brings city centre to life
In most major urban centres, downtowns are considered the heart of the city, the most vibrant and thrilling places to live, shop, di ne and play. Downtown Windsor is no different –and it’ s particularly enchanting during the holiday season. Downtown Windsor features an impressive array of independently owned and operated retail shops and boutiques, fine dining establishments and casual fare, as well as world-renowned entertainment venues that have housed international superstars like Celine Dion and Chris Rock. It’s no surprise then that people flock to the streets of downtown when looking for the perfect holiday gift for their most beloved.
“What makes shopping in Downtown Windsor so unique is not only the selection, but the experience,” says Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association executive director Debi Croucher. “The business owners have ensured their products and service levels are unique to the core, and they’re all passionate about what they do and provide. They stand behind their product, but they also want to make sure you are as excited about their product as they are.” Lazares and CO, at 493 Ouellette Avenue, is one of the most wellknown and respected businesses in the city. Thousands of people descend upon Lazares, not just during the holidays but also throughout the year, to browse through the world’s most impressive collection of furs, cashmere, leather and wool outerwear, as well as Italian-crafted leather bags, shoes and other footwear. With its luxurious showrooms that showcase and highlight hundreds of breathtaking furs, Lazares welcomes guests from throughout southwestern Ontario, southeast Michigan and beyond.
Some say that experiences make the best gifts. Consider the gift of experience at Windsor Museum, which is one of the best-kept secrets in the city. Windsor Museum is comprised of the Chimczuk Museum, the Francois Baby House, and the Interpretive Centre at the DuffBaby house in Sandwich Town. Chimczuk Museum, located at 401 Riverside Drive West, boasts 11,000 square feet of space, a spectacular $6 million attraction supported by the federal and municipal governments and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canada Culture Spaces Fund.
It features a gift shop where one can browse through and purchase a wealth of local history books, souvenirs and toys, as well as a myriad of locally designed and constructed handmade items, including jewelry, flatware, pottery, baskets and dream catchers.
And there’s so much more. This year, the DWBIA launched its Downtown Windsor Gift Card Program where buyers can purchase cards in denominations as low as $25 and as high as $500 to give as gifts, which can be redeemed at any of 60+ participating businesses throughout the core. The card can be used at multiple locations, and gift card balances can be checked online.
“Gift cards are perfect for the corporate world, and for those who may be a little more challenging to shop for,” says Croucher. “With no expiry date and a plethora of different businesses to shop from, it’s a wonderful way to give the gift of downtown to so many people on your list.” The list of participating businesses, and how and where to buy the cards, can be found at www. downtownwindsor.ca/giftcard. And of course, what holiday would be complete without a parade? The Windsor Santa Claus Parade celebrates its 50th year in 2018, and takes place on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy the floats, bands and horses, as well as the man himself – Santa Claus! The parade route moves along Ouellette Avenue beginning at Giles Boulevard.